Category Bahamas Locomotive Society Update

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Santa Steam Specials are running to capacity, and despite the poor weather conditions we have seen lots and lots of happy faces. This weekend has the possibility of some snow showers and if that combines with clear blue skies, you have the picture postcard Santa Specials.

This weekend, as with all Santa Steam Specials, trains will have a combination of locomotives, with steam locomotives operating on the south, Oxenhope end of the train, assisted by one of our mainline diesel locomotives at the Keighley end. Once again steam motive power will be provided by 2 locomotives. On Saturday, taking its first tour of Santa duty this year, will be MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 and on Sunday BR Class 2 2-6-0 78022 will have the honours. Both locomotives will be in steam, with the non-operation locomotive, on standby in Haworth yard.

This weekend the diesel locomotive will be Class 20, 20 031 on both days.

For visitors without a Santa Steam Special ticket wishing to travel along the Worth Valley, a diesel railcar service operates throughout the day by our Class 101 diesel multiple unit, starting at 09.00, giving passengers a new perspective through the forward facing windows on our diesel railcars. This service is free of charge to Santa Special ticket holders.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

Due to the huge success and quick sell out of the original 9th February ‘Bahamas’ Railtour, we have decided to launch a second tour date, just one week later, so that all of our wonderful enthusiasts are able to get the chance to enjoy one of 45596’s first mainline running in over 25 years!

LMS ‘Jubilee’ Class locomotive 45596 ‘Bahamas, was the first of the four Jubilees of the class to be preserved and occupies a special place in railway history as it was the very last steam engine to be modified by BR in its attempts to improve the performance of its steam fleet with the fitting of its unique double chimney and blastpipe in 1961. The Bahamas Locomotive Society (BLS) bought 45596 in 1967.

‘Bahamas’ ran on the main line (1989 – 1994) before retiring to Oxenhope Exhibition Shed in 1997. 45596 moved to Tyseley Locomotive Works in November 2013 as a result of the BLS’s successful £996k bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for help to give it the most extensive overhaul since 1961. 45596’s first steaming after its latest overhaul was on 27 September and, on its return to Ingrow, ‘Bahamas’ is about to operate on the main line once again.

Promoted by Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in partnership with Bahamas Locomotive Society, ‘Bahamas’ will run from Oxenhope to Carlisle and return on Saturday 16th February 2019.

Tickets are available to purchase online NOW! For more details and to book your ticket, click HERE to go to the main KWVR website.

Following the most exhaustive overhaul the locomotive has received in since 1961 and now resplendent in its Brunswick Green livery, we are delighted to announce that LMS Stanier ‘Jubilee Class’ 4-6-0 no. 45596 ‘Bahamas’, is returning to the Worth Valley and, for the first time in 25 years, will run on the mainline with seats available for the general public!

Promoted by Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in partnership with Bahamas Locomotive Society, ‘Bahamas’ will run from Oxenhope to Carlisle and return on Saturday 9th February 2019.

This will be a unique opportunity, the railtour being the first time that ‘Bahamas’ has completed a revenue earning run on the mainline since 1994! Tickets are now on sale to purchase online. To book your ticket, go to www.kwvr.co.uk.

Following the most exhaustive overhaul the locomotive has received in since 1961 and now resplendent in its Brunswick Green livery, we are delighted to announce that LMS Stanier ‘Jubilee Class’ 4-6-0 no. 45596 ‘Bahamas’, is returning to the Worth Valley and, for the first time in 25 years, will run on the mainline with seats available for the general public!

Promoted by Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in partnership with Bahamas Locomotive Society, ‘Bahamas’ will run from Oxenhope to Carlisle and return on Saturday 9th February 2019.

This will be a unique opportunity, the railtour being the first time that ‘Bahamas’ has completed a revenue earning run on the mainline since 1994! Tickets will be available to purchase online on Friday 16th November. To book your ticket, on Friday (and not before) go to www.kwvr.co.uk.

This weekend BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 75078 will head steam services on Saturday having put in sterling effort throughout the week.

However, the locomotive retires at the end of the day to be replaced by USATC S160 2-8-0 5820 for the last round trip of the day and then heading the evening’s Haworth Haddock dining train. 5820 then continues on Sunday and will haul 6 coach trains throughout the week.

On Sunday there will be an rare appearance on a service train of the National Trust’s LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal Tank’ 1054, courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society at Ingrow, hauling a 3 suburban set of coaches plus the NER ‘Old Gentleman’s Saloon’ which has been hired for a private party.

The diesel services on Saturday will be handled by our Class 101 diesel multiple unit.

On Saturday the first train departs Oxenhope (diesel railcar) at 09.00 with steam locomotive hauled trains operating from 11.00 and on Sunday, the first passenger service is steam hauled at 10.15.

USATC S160 2-8-0 5820 is back this weekend at the head of the steam service on Saturday and Sunday. Daily running over the Easter period has now come to an end so we see the return of our midweek diesel railcar service on Wednesday.

First train departs Oxenhope (diesel railcar) at 09.00 with 5820 operating from 11.00 and on Sunday, the first passenger service is steam hauled at 10.15, 5820 working a two train service with the diesel railcar.

With Spring now upon us (in theory at least) the railbus has been retired to Haworth Shed and the diesel service will be in the capable hands of our Class 101 diesel multiple unit which will also be on duty on the Wednesday railcar service. Seen as a “modern” form of rail travel, this class of diesel unit was itself introduced over 60 years ago.

Nunlow’s Nightcap

This Saturday sees the last day in service before overhaul of the Bahamas Locomotive Society’s, Hudswell Clark 0-6-0T no. 1704 ‘Nunlow’. Starting at 16.10 from Oxenhope, ‘Nunlow will be operating 3 round trips the full length of the branch before retiring to the BLS Loco Works at Ingrow West.

A special ale, Nunlow’s Nightcap’, has been brewed by Bridgehouse Brewery to mark the occasion and there will be live music from the popular cover band, ‘Wired’, between 18.20 and 19.00 on Platform 4 at Keighley. For all the information visit the Nunlow’s Nighcap page of the website.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

Photographers visiting the Railway to capture Nunlow’s last stand, will also have the bonus of 5820 operating the ‘Haworth ‘Haddock’.

This weekend sees the Railway back to normal and a full line service from Keighley to Oxenhope, with the Civil Department completing their work on the bridge south of Oakworth.

Having been at the head of the Oxenhope – Haworth shuttle services last weekend BR WD 2-8-0 90733 will continue this Saturday and Sunday on the main service.

The Saturday diesel service train will be in the hands of our Class 101 diesel multiple unit and there is a rare outing, to coincide with the Bahamas Locomotive Society AGM, on Sunday for Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T 1704 ‘Nunlow’ which will be on the steam service in the relief path.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the main website.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

Last week the publication of the locomotive roster was unfortunately mistimed with the failure of USATC S160 2-8-0 5820, MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 deputising. The loco department had their workload increased when, at the weekend, WD 2-8-0 90733 failed and had to be replaced.

So with fingers crossed we anticipate that BR Class 4MT 4-6-0 75078 will be operating Monday – Saturday.

Saturday sees the another of our diesel and steam Saturdays sponsored by a local brewery but this, originally not in the planned schedule, sees a celebration of the official return to traffic of Sulzer Class 25 diesel 25 059 with the buffet being sponsored by local Keighley based, Goose Eye Brewery serving a selection of their own real ales throughout the day, including an ale, Sulzer Ale, especially brewed for the occasion. However unlike other Diesel & Ale Days this one runs into the evening with entertainment at Keighley. For full details visit the Sulzer & Ale Day page of the website

On Sunday 6th August, restored to good health after its problems last weekend, WD 2-8-0 90733 will take over from 75078 and will be joined by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal tank’ 1054 with another of our Sunday Vintage trains comprising a set of our more venerable coaches with four from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust and the Metropolitan brake from the Vintage Carriages Trust.

This week we also have the Vintage Bus Tours running between Oxenhope and Haworth and these are free to folders of a KWVR Rover ticket

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

This week Taff Vale Railway 0-6-2 no. 85 will handle all the services Monday – Friday. The first steam train leaves Oxenhope at 10.00 and the last service on the branch departs Keighley at 15.45 – 4 round trips in all.

On Saturday USA S160 2-8-0 5820 takes over for the weekend’s main service. On Sunday 24 will be joined by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal tank’ 1054 with another of our Sunday Vintage trains comprising a set of our more venerable coaches with four from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust and the Metropolitan brake from the Vintage Carriages Trust.

Class 101 DMU will operate the diesel service on Saturday morning.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the main website.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

This weekend sees the first Little Engine’s Gala which, like our Winter Steam gala, will operate over 3 days, 7th – 9th July. Harking back to the early days of the preserved Railway, the KWVR is honouring those early pioneers when the smaller locomotives of the fleet will take centre stage to reflect the days before the larger locomotives ruled the roost.

The railway have announced 2 visiting locomotives, both with connections to the Railway but in diverse ways. The first to be announced was ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST 71515 ‘Mech Navvies Ltd’ from the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway a type of engine that featured in the early days of the KWVR with two examples of the class operational during the early years. This was followed by the announcement of our second guest, London & South Western Railway ‘Beattie well tank’ 2-4-0WT 30587 courtesy of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. Similar locomotives, but designed and owned by the Midland Railway, operated the branch in the very first years that the Railway was open in the nineteenth century.

For the public timetables in operation over the 3 days, please click HERE to visit the main website. To download the enthusiast working timetables, click on the appropriate day below:Friday, 7th JulySaturday, 8th JulySunday, 9th July

TVR 0-6-2T no. 85 will have the honours hauling the Monday – Thursday services between Oxenhope to Keighley before joining in with the Little Engines Gala.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 will have the honours hauling the weekday and weekend services between Oxenhope to Keighley. On Sunday 43924 will be joined by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal tank’ 1054 with the second of our Sunday Vintage trains comprising a set of our more venerable coaches with four from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust and the Metropolitan brake from the Vintage Carriages Trust.

The Saturday diesel turn will have our Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit running the services with the first train leaving Oxenhope at 09.00 on Saturday.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

This weekend sees the return of the Model Railway Exhibition with the main event at Oxenhope and additional attractions at Ingrow.

In similar circumstances to the NEC, we will have on display the partially restored Ivatt 41241 in order to0 raise the Appeal’s profile as we look to raise at least a further £35,000 towards the restoration costs.

These latest images taken by James Horrell, one of the Ivatt team, shows 41241 on its way to Oxenhope, so come along and see how the work that the team have achieved to date.

BR Class 4MT 4-6-0 75078 will have the honours Hauling the weekday service of 4 round trips from Oxenhope to Keighley. WD 2-8-0 90733 will be at the head of the passenger services on Saturday but will be joined by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal tank’ 1054 as Sunday sees the first of our Vintage Train Sundays when 1054 will be at the head of a set of our more venerable coaches from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust and the Vintage Carriages Trust.

In addition, it is a Diesel & Ale Day on Saturday with Class 25 059 providing the diesel service throughout the day when the buffet will be sponsored by Cullingworth based, Old Spot Brewery serving a selection of their own real ales throughout the day.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power is available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

With only a few days to go, we are delighted to confirm the line up for this weekend’s Winter Steam Gala. As posted earlier 13065 arrived last week and the image below shows our other visitor, 61264, on Haworth shed having arrived on the Railway at Keighley in the hours of darkness.

On Sunday Mary and Ann, our two K class Pullmans built in 1930 as a pair for the Southern Railway Bournemouth Bell service will be in use. A supplement for travel is required for these vehicles at £5 each. Throughout the morning the supplement entitles you to complimentary ‘Coffee & Croissant’ and during the afternoon a traditional ‘English Cream Tea’ – it’s well worth a fiver!

The situation with the two ‘Black 5s’, 45212 and 45407 remains fluid. They are due mainline certification this week and if that is forthcoming they should arrive on the Railway Friday evening by our connection at Keighley. This, of course precludes their participation on Friday, but will, if they do arrive, operate Saturday and Sunday requiring an amendment to the working timetables as previously published.

As with all our Galas we publish the working timetables for the various workings. The up-to-date version (01/03/17) can be viewed by downloading the 2017 Winter Steam Gala Working Timetable PDF. It is important to note that these timetables take account that 45212 and 45407 MAY be attending and reflect that the situation remains fluid.

Guided tours of the Haworth Locomotive Works

Once again we will be running our unique tour behind the scenes in our engine shed and workshop at Haworth, the tours being led by our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer tour guides. The tours are organised to raise funds to restore the Ivatt 2-6-2T 41241 and although the tours are free, we do ask our guests to consider making a Gift Aided donation, usually in the region of £5 to the KWVR Charity (no 1136853).

Tour times will connect with trains from Keighley arriving at Haworth where you will meet your guide at Haworth Station for your 45/60 minute tour.

November was a busy month at Ingrow as one arrival returned a Railway Children favourite in an incoming load and the same low loader took away another one. In a third movement, the Bahamas Locomotive Society (BLS) took another step forward in returning ex-LMS ‘Jubilee’ 5XP 4-6-0 45596 ‘Bahamas’ to working order.

Returning to the Railway from cosmetic restoration and display at the National Railway Museum, was the ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 5775 resplendent in its fictitious Great Northern and Southern Railway livery that it carried in the iconic 1970s film. Once the Santa season it past the locomotive will go back on display in Oxenhope Exhibition Shed.

Ironically passing 5775 on its way in, was North Eastern Railway Clerestory Inspection Saloon, no. 1661 leaving the Railway for specialist repairs to be carried out after its underframe sustained some serious damage whilst away from the KWVR on a previous occasion. (The coach can just be seen in the background as 5775 is unloaded)

Whilst the engine is away being restored at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham, the BLS team have been busy refurbishing the chassis and wheelsets of ‘Bahamas’ the tender. A little while ago, a complete new tender tank was delivered to Ingrow and last week the Society’s steam crane was fired up and lifted the new tank onto the chassis. The ensemble was then moved inside for work to continue. The intention is that the tender will be transported to Tyesley early in 2017 to join the rest of the locomotive.

As announced the line up for the Autumn Steam Spectacular Friday 7th – Sunday 9th October has been finalised and the guest locomotives have now arrived. SR ‘Battle of Britain’ Pacific 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ was the first to arrive after night had fallen over Ingrow. Today 34053 was followed by GWR ‘Manor’ Class 4-6-0 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’

The mid-week diesel railbus service will once again be in the hands of the Class 101 diesel multiple unit.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the timetable page.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power and coaching stock are available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

The Bahamas Locomotive Society and the Vintage Carriages Trust will be fully participating in the Heritage Open Days this September, and RAIL STORY will be fully open, with free access and tours of the Locomotive Shed, Carriage Works, Ingrow station and the Learning Coach over all four days.

A locomotive will be in steam in Ingrow Yard on at least one of the Open Days. Visitors will have access to ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the various locations at Ingrow, and there will also be activities for youngsters.

This will be one of the major West Yorkshire Heritage Open Day events and will be a first for the KWVR, who are one of the relatively few heritage railways participating.

BR 4MT 4-6-0 75078 has worked throughout this week and will be relieved for the weekend services by WD 2-8-0 90733 which in turn will give way on Monday when MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 takes over and heads the weekday steam service.

This weekend is the last chance for 2016 to ride on board Vintage Train services when our more venerable locomotives and rolling stock are allowed to stretch their legs on the main line. Once again the line-up will be:

The Class 101 DMU will operate the Saturday and Sunday morning diesel service.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the timetable page.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power and coaching stock are available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

The ‘shuttle’ Vintage Set hauled by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal Tank’ will once again consist of two carriages from the Vintage Carriages Trust fleet:
Great Northern Railway 6-wheel Brake, no. 589
Southern Railway ‘Chatham’ Brake, no. 3554

The Class 101 DMU will operate the Saturday and Sunday morning diesel service.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the timetable page.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power and coaching stock are available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.

The ‘shuttle’ Vintage Set hauled by LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal Tank’ will once again consist of two carriages from the Vintage Carriages Trust fleet:
Great Northern Railway 6-wheel Brake, no. 589
Southern Railway ‘Chatham’ Brake, no. 3554

75078 has been in operation throughout the week but gives way to MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 to head the main timetable services throughout the weekend, with WD 2-8-0 90733 taking over for the weekday service.

As it is the last Saturday of the month, we will be operating a two train service all day with the relief train in the hands of one of our ‘big’ diesels. This Saturday English Electric Class 37 no. 37 075 will take a 4 coach set throughout the day. The Class 101 DMU will operate the Sunday morning diesel service.

For the timetables in operation this weekend, please click HERE to visit the timetable page.

Whilst every effort will made to ensure that the advised motive power and coaching stock are available, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway reserve the right to change this when operational circumstances so dictate.